Web accessible security camera system independently powered by a point of use thermoelectric generator using geothermal pipes as a heat source

This paper presents the implementation of a thermoelectric- based point of use power generation system with no moving parts to power a web interfaced video surveillance system. The generator can be clamped onto the outer wall of a geothermal steam or hot water pipe and was successfully tested in temperatures up to 160°C. A test bed at the Cooper Union in New York City was used to evaluate different ambient and working fluid temperatures. The thermoelectric generator was attached to a steam pipe at 160°C and was used to power two microcontroller based security cameras, one with wireless LAN and another with cellular connectivity. Additional testing of the PV voltage controller and the generator occurred in Iceland using a 100-120°C geothermal waste steam condensate pipe. The results show that the system can be used to run low power surveillance systems. Because the security system can operate without grid access, it will run constantly, and hence improve security. The unit's power generation is directly dependent on the temperature difference between the heat source and the ambient. This temperature difference becomes greater in colder climates such as in Iceland. The system presented in this paper thrives in colder climates that can severely impede the performance of traditional battery systems.